Urgent Action –

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — For sixty-five years the Masjid Assalam stood as the oldest existing mosque in Davao City until it was torn down on May 7 during the demolition in Salmonan.

It was in built in 1953 by several Meranaw families coming from the Lanao provinces who arrived in the present Barangay 26-C Salmonan when it was still a marshland area.

The mosque was a landmark of Meranaws who lived peacefully with their Islamic faith in Davao.

In the past months, the mosque became a center of the Meranaws’ resistance of a demolition order on Salmonan.

Last April 17, Meranaws barricaded the streets resisting the demolition team, as men went out across the mosque and performed their 3 o’clock afternoon prayer.

A huge banner with the writing “Oldest Mosque 1953” can be seen outside the mosque. It was a sign of faith and protection for the people.

But on May 7, no prayers and protest could stop the 1,500 police and military personnel armed with shields, sticks and firearms as they escorted the demolition team to destroy the houses, and the oldest mosque in Davao City.

Last prayer

Alim Abdul Basit Mashallah, Chief Imam for Davao’s Meranaw tribe was having his last As’r prayer inside the mosque even as debris and broken glasses were scattered on the floor.

When everyone in Salmonan rushed to bring their personal belongings out, Mashallah was found inside the mosque keeping his faith intact while the demolition team broke the concrete walls in those adjacent houses.

“It is my sign of respect to my religion and to Allah,” said Mashallah. “Though it is really heartbreaking to see our houses and this mosque ruined by the demolition team. I seek Allah’s help.”

Mashallah said the mosque “should not be a subject for demolition” as it is an identity of the Islamic faith among Moro people residing in Davao.

“It is once and should always be a venue of religious Meranaw and other Moro tribe to practice their Muslim faith” he explained.